Finding potential of a given wavefunction in spherical polar

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the potential of a given wavefunction in spherical polar coordinates, specifically for a ground state wavefunction represented as Ψ (r,θ, φ)= (A/r) [exp (-ar) - exp (-br)], where a, b, and A are constants. The participants are tasked with normalizing the wavefunction, deriving the potential from the Schrödinger equation, and finding the energy eigenvalue under specific conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the normalization of the wavefunction and the integration of |ψ|^2. There are attempts to apply the time-independent Schrödinger equation (TISE) to find the potential, with some participants questioning the steps involved in differentiating the wavefunction and the implications of constants A, a, and b. Others seek confirmation on whether finding the potential is feasible.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various mathematical approaches to derive the potential from the Schrödinger equation. Some have provided partial calculations and are seeking further guidance on the next steps, while others express uncertainty about the possibility of finding the potential.

Contextual Notes

The problem is set within a university exam context, with each part of the question carrying equal marks. There is an emphasis on the need for clarity in the working steps provided by participants.

sudipmaity
Messages
48
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The ground state wavefuntion
of a system in spherical polar
coordinates is given by:
Ψ (r,θ, φ)= (A/r) [exp (-ar) -
exp (-br)] where a, b, A are
constants.
i) Determine A as a function
of a and b, so as to normalize
the wavefuntion.
ii) From Schrödinger equation
find V (r) in terms of a and b
iii) From potential behaviour
find the energy eigenvalue if
b=6a in the ground state.

Homework Equations


integral |ψ|^2 dτ=1
Hψ=Eψ
H= -hbar/2m grad^2 + V

The Attempt at a Solution


I integrated | ψ|^2 r^2 dr
sinθ dθ dφ =1
I found A= {1/a-b}[ab* (a
+b) /2π]^(1/2)
After putting the wavefuntion
in time independent
Schrödinger's (Hψ=Eψ)the
calculation is getting pretty
elaborate.Cant figure out how
to find the potential.This is a
University exam question and
each of the three question
carried 2 marks.please help
me calculate the potential.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Please show your working when you applied the Schrödinger equation.
 
let 2m/hbar^2=k
then -1/k grad^2 ψ +Vψ=Eψ
or grad^2 ψ =k (V-E)ψ
given wavefuntion is independent of θ, φ
so in spherical polar grad^2= (1/r^2)δ/δr (r^2 δ/δr)
I am getting (r^2 δ/δr)= r [b exp(-br)-a exp (-ar)] - [exp (-ar)-exp (-br)]
next differenting the above again w.r.t r and multipying with 1/r^2
grad^2 ψ= ( 1/r) [a^2 exp (-ar)- b^2 exp (-br)]
'A' depends on a and b which are constants .So I guess A will cancel out.
So now my TISE looks like
( 1/r) [a^2 exp (-ar)- b^2 exp (-br)]=k (V-E) ( 1/r) [exp (-ar)- exp (-br)]
What should I do after this??
 
Last edited:
Can somebody at all confirm whether it is possible to find the potential?
 
utube
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
5K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K